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Originally Posted by HarryT
There's nothing inherently wrong with that - the estate is a financial asset to be commercially exploited to its maximum potential; the estate of authors are no different to any other estate in that respect. Whether this particular venture proves to be successful or not, only time will tell.
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There is, nonetheless, the manner in which the asset is exploited. Moneygrubbing is perfectly legal but a too blatant exploitation can be off-putting: The Lee estate's very first move, literally within minutes of acquiring control, was to end the lowest priced, mass market paperback, edition of Mockingbird.
https://newrepublic.com/article/1314...ckingbird-dead
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The question of who is making decisions regarding Harper Lee is still a somewhat academic one, as this decision was undoubtedly in the works before Lee’s death on February 19, alongside other changes.*On February 10, for instance, Scott Rudin announced he had acquired the rights to produce a Broadway play of To Kill a Mockinbird, suggesting that Lee’s team has continued the flurry of activity that has marked the last few years and looks to continue after her death. The questions surrounding Lee that have emerged over the last few years—namely who is driving changes to her legacy and whose interest those changes serve—also look like they’re here to stay.
What is certain, however, is that Lee’s estate will continue to face publicity problems even as it’s shielded from scrutiny. Without knowledge of why Lee’s estate has radically altered the publication plan of To Kill a Mockingbird, it’s only possible to speculate as to who is pulling the strings—and to what end. This will be true of any decision made by the estate, so long as Lee’s will is sealed. Given the hubbub surrounding Go Set a Watchman, it’s likely that even opening Lee’s will to public scrutiny wouldn’t placate doubters. It’s an unfortunate twist in the legacy of one of America’s most beloved writers. For an author whose reputation in life was rather similar to her character Atticus Finch’s—noble, high-minded, resistant to trouble and chaos—Harper Lee has, in recent years and now, after her death, become one of America’s most controversial writers. It is a striking change in reputation, but one likely to be permanent if the estate continues to operate in secrecy.
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It stands in stark contrast to Ms. Lee's approach to managing said property, hence hackles are raised in some quarters.
The graphic novel might be a tasteful, accessible adaptation. (Or not.) But one thing it will not be is as cheap as the cancelled MMPB.